Abstract:
Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has posed an unprecedented challenge to healthcare systems globally. Personal protective equipment has played a fundamental role in protecting healthcare workers and patients, but its effectiveness in reducing hospital-acquired infections (HAIs) during the pandemic remains a subject of debate.
Objective: The aim of this systematic review is to conduct a synthesis and meta-analysis of the best available evidence of the prevalence of HAIs using a before/after approach.
Methods: A three-step search strategy was undertaken to locate published and unpublished studies. A search was performed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar. Screening of studies, data extraction and critical appraisal were performed by four independent reviewers. Meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager. The review is reported in accordance with PRISMA and JBI guidelines for systematic reviews.
Results: Fifteen studies were included in the review. Three studies indicated a statistically significant increase in the number of positive cultures during the COVID-19 period compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Pooled data showed a non-significant decrease in the number of patients with positive cultures in the COVID-19 period compared to pre-COVID-19. There were no significant differences in various bacterial infections except for a significant decrease in respiratory infections. Pooled data for central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) indicated a significant increase during the COVID-19 period, but one study reported an increase in CLABSI incidence.
Conclusion: The evidence from this review demonstrates a mixed impact of the COVID-19 pandemic precautions on HAIs.
Reference:Teus JK, Mithen L, Green H, Hutton A, Fernandez R. The impact of infection prevention and control practices (IPCs), including personal protective equipment (PPE), on the prevalence of hospital acquired infections (HAIs) in acute care hospitals during COVID-19: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Hosp Infect. 2024 Feb 27:S0195-6701(24)00067-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jhin.2024.02.010. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38423134.